Contra Costa County CalFresh system switch to CalSAWS causing benefit delays?

Yes, Contra Costa County did switch to CalSAWS in November 2025. Many counties have been transitioning to this new statewide system over the past few years. Unfortunately, system transitions often cause temporary delays in benefit processing. Your benefits aren't gone, but the loading dates might be affected during this transition period. The county should have sent notices about this change, but they don't always reach everyone.

SAME THING in RICHMOND!!!! Been waiting since the 12th and NOTHING! Called that stupid automated line 8 TIMES today and it keeps saying my case is "in process" whatever that means. My worker hasn't called back in 3 days. This new system is a JOKE. My friend in Alameda County said when they switched it was 3 weeks of chaos. They better backdate our benefits!!

I work for a community organization that partners with Contra Costa Social Services. Yes, they switched to CalSAWS in November, and there have been significant transition issues. Here's what you can do: 1. Visit a county office in person if possible - Martinez, Antioch, and Richmond all have offices that can help with emergency situations. 2. Ask specifically about "expedited services" due to emergency food needs - they are required to help families with children who have no food within 3 days. 3. File a complaint with the state if your benefits are more than 7 days late: https://cdss.ca.gov/contact-us 4. Contact your local food bank for immediate assistance while this gets resolved: https://www.foodbankccs.org/get-help/ The good news is that benefits will be backdated once the system is fully operational.

my benefits came thru yesterday but they were $50 less than usual?? no explanation why. im in pittsburg. the office here is packed every day now with people having problems. i waited 3 hrs yesterday and still had to leave to pick up my kid from school before i could talk to anyone. this new system sucks

I had a similar issue when San Joaquin County switched to CalSAWS last year. Calling the regular county line was impossible - always busy or disconnected. I finally got through using a service called Claimyr that got me past the hold times. Their system calls the county for you and then calls you when a real person answers. Saved me hours of frustration. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 Once I got through to a worker, they were able to issue emergency benefits within 24 hours. The system transition is temporary but it helps to talk to an actual person who can override the system issues.

I think my cousin mentioned something about this. doesn't calSAWS have something to do with the benefits portal too? i remember she said we have to make new accounts or something after they switch?

Update: My benefits just loaded this morning!! 6 days late but they're finally there and they included the full amount I was supposed to get on the 10th. Check your cards everyone!

Glad to hear benefits are starting to load! For those still having issues, here's some additional information about the CalSAWS transition: 1. Counties are moving to this system in phases through 2026 2. Your case information transfers automatically, but there can be delays during the transition month 3. The new BenefitsCal portal replaces older county systems and allows you to manage your case online 4. System transitions don't change your eligibility or benefit amounts (any changes should be explained in a Notice of Action) 5. If you experience delays longer than 7 days, you can request a State Hearing by calling 855-795-0634 The transition challenges are temporary but frustrating. Document all attempts to contact the county in case you need to show you were trying to resolve issues.

This is really helpful information everyone! I'm in Walnut Creek and had similar delays - my benefits were 4 days late but finally loaded yesterday. For anyone still waiting, I found that calling the EBT customer service line (1-877-328-9677) can at least confirm if your benefits have been issued to your card, even if the county office phones aren't working. They can't fix the delay but they can tell you the status. Also wanted to mention that our local St. Vincent de Paul has been helping families with emergency food during these system delays - they're at 1970 San Miguel Dr if anyone needs immediate help while waiting for benefits to load.

I'm also in Contra Costa and experienced the same delays! My benefits were 5 days late but finally loaded on Wednesday. What helped me was going directly to the Martinez office early in the morning (around 7:30 AM) - there was still a line but I was able to speak with someone within 2 hours. They explained that the CalSAWS transition has caused a backlog in their system processing, but they assured me that all January benefits would be issued with the correct amounts, just delayed. The worker also gave me a direct number for their CalSAWS transition hotline: (925) 957-5299. It's supposedly monitored more frequently than the main line during this transition period. Hang in there everyone - it seems like most people are getting their benefits now, just later than usual!

I'm so glad I found this thread! I'm also in Contra Costa (Concord area) and have been dealing with the exact same issue - my January benefits were supposed to load on the 10th but didn't show up until yesterday (the 16th). I was starting to think it was just me! Like others mentioned, I couldn't get through on the phone at all. What finally worked for me was using the online chat feature on the BenefitsCal website - it took about 45 minutes of waiting but I was able to connect with someone who confirmed my benefits were just delayed due to the system transition, not lost. They also mentioned that February benefits should be back to normal timing since the worst of the transition issues are behind them now. For anyone still waiting, definitely try that chat option if calling isn't working - go to benefitscal.com and look for the "Live Chat" button. Sending good thoughts to everyone dealing with this stress!